SeasonalityIn Alberta adults have been collected from late May to mid August.IdentificationA very small (1.8-2.1 cm) narrow-winged dull grey, olive or yellow moth with few markings. The head, thorax and forewings are dull greenish grey to olive, immaculate in most Alberta specimens but with a small dark dot at the reniform and orbicular, and with a dark vertical mark indicating the lower part of a postmedian line in others. Fringe concolorous. Hindwings light to dark sooty brown with white fringes. Adults are variable in color, from dull yellow with fairly distinct mrkings to grey without any markings.
One of the smallest noctuid moths, easily overlooked or mistaken for a species of microlepidoptera.
Scientific NameTarachidia tortricinaHabitat
Dry wooded areas, grasslands and badlands.
Seasonality
In Alberta adults have been collected from late May to mid August.
Identification
A very small (1.8-2.1 cm) narrow-winged dull grey, olive or yellow moth with few markings. The head, thorax and forewings are dull greenish grey to olive, immaculate in most Alberta specimens but with a small dark…
A very small (1.8-2.1 cm) narrow-winged dull grey, olive or yellow moth with few markings. The head, thorax and forewings are dull greenish grey to olive, immaculate in most Alberta specimens but with a small dark dot at the reniform and orbicular, and with a dark vertical mark indicating the lower part of a postmedian line in others. Fringe concolorous. Hindwings light to dark sooty brown with white fringes. Adults are variable in color, from dull yellow with fairly distinct mrkings to grey without any markings.
One of the smallest noctuid moths, easily overlooked or mistaken for a species of microlepidoptera.
Life History
Poorly known. The adults are nocturnal and come to light. The larvae have not been described and larval hosts are unknown.
Conservation
A widespread species, no concerns.
Diet Info
No Alberta data; elsewhere they have been associated with cultivated sunflowers (Helianthus sp.)
Range
Northern Ontario west to British Columbia, south to Texas. Widespread in southern Alberta, north to Edmonton and west to Calgary.
Citation
Page Citation for Tarachidia tortricina
Page Citation
"Species Details - Tarachidia tortricina, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-3698. Accessed 11 Aug. 2022.